“You know how much I want you, right?” There was a challenge in his husky voice.
With his erection hard against her belly, Keeli knew exactly how much. She nodded yes, unable to speak, incredibly aroused, longing for his kisses, wanting his hands all over her. Only a tiny corner of her brain was able to remind her that this man was a player, that he would not stay interested in her for long. She tried valiantly to listen to her foggy mind telling her he would break her heart, telling her not to go to bed with him.
No matter how loud her brain was screaming, her body was shouting louder. Her breasts were smashed against Wyatt’s rock hard chest, hardening her nipples. She could feel his heart pounding in a staccato that matched her own. She smelled the scotch he breathed, longed to taste it on her tongue.
He was holding her hands low and tight against her thighs, fingers laced with hers. Her heart was racing with anticipation of his kiss, and after what felt like eons to her she finally watched his head dip slowly toward hers, lips resting hot and full against her own, pinning her tighter still between his rugged form and the sleek car door, demanding she give him everything.
His mouth ravaged hers relentlessly, his tongue seeking every warm crevice. The rough stubble on his cheek rasped against her smooth skin, making her insides tingle. She tried to push her body still harder against him, restrained by his hold on her hands. She craved even more contact. He brushed gently against her swollen lips with his own, catching her breaths. She felt as if she coming up from beneath the sea, grabbing air only to return below, hungry for more.
Keeli was unsure how long they kissed before a voice called from the sidewalk “get a room!” Breaking their embrace, Wyatt gave her the shy smile of an embarrassed teenager. Keeli avoided eye contact with Wyatt until her lifted her chin with his finger, forcing her to look in his eyes.
“He has a point I guess. We should take this indoors.” Wyatt was leaving the choice to her but he was obviously asking if she wanted to go home with him or invite him to her place. The latter was out of the question. She would be mortified to have him make love to her in her old, creaky, single bed with the boys right down the hall. Nothing seemed less romantic to her.
Look at you, thinking not if but where. So much for protecting your heart.
Keeli felt that internal battle, brain versus body. Could she go back to his place? Was it too soon? Was it too much? Lust was still coursing through her veins.
Waiting for her response but sensing her hesitation, Wyatt backed up and away from her body, adjusting his clothing a bit as he did.
“I suppose I better get you home,” he stated with conviction. Keeli felt her ambivalence give way to disappointment.
Didn’t he want to try harder? Why was he being such a gentleman again?
“I suppose,” she said, backing up to open the car door, only to find he’d reached for the handle as well. He brushed her hand, then held it, and squeezed it gently. She slid into the cool interior, calming her breathing and contemplated changing her mind before it was too late.
What to do? What to do? Am I just doing this to play hard to get? Is hard to get even an option? I want him. He wants me. It’s obvious. It’s inevitable. You are a grown woman Keeli Larsen. What the hell are you waiting for?
Wyatt leaned across the console to give her a light kiss on the lips. “Why so serious, gorgeous?”
The question sounded too polished and rehearsed, like a line he said to all the girls. It helped Keeli make up her mind. Deciding he was too much of a player, she resigned herself to sleeping alone until she knew him better.
“Just sad to see our lovely evening end,” she told him with a shy smile. “But it has been a long day. For both of us, I imagine.” Done. She had made it clear she planned to go home.
Wyatt took the hint, bringing the engine purring to life before turning to her in the intimate space.
“I can tell you’re not ready, Keeli. I can wait – not long – but I can wait.”
They made the four-minute drive to her house in silence.
“So you are away this weekend?”
“Yes, in Milwaukee,” she reminded him.
“Yeah, I really hate to wait a full week to catch up again.”
Catch up? Catch up? Is that what we are doing here?
“So, how ‘bout coming to watch me play hockey tomorrow night? A lot of wives and girlfriends come and we go out for a beer afterwards. It might be fun for you to meet everyone and I would get to spend more time with you. What do you think?”
“That could be a lot of fun. Sure,” Keeli was trying to hide her excitement.
He wants to see me again tomorrow! This is a dream. This must be a dream.
“I really hate to ask but is there any chance we can meet there? I can bring you home after but I have meetings right up to seven.” Keeli could tell that this bothered him a lot. It delighted her that he was so chivalrous.
“Well, I guess, just this once,” she allowed, smiling.
“I will text you the address. Seven o’clock and you should wear something warm. It gets cold in the arena.”
Wyatt double parked in front of her apartment, and went around, opening her door and helping her out of the car. He did not release her hand, holding it tight and swinging her arm a little as he walked her to the door.
“I’ll walk you up,” he offered as she inserted her key in the lock.
“Totally unnecessary. Save your strength. You will need it on the ice tomorrow.”
Wyatt wrapped his warm hand around her cheek and neck, pulling her close for several hot, deep kisses before releasing her with obvious regret.
“Until tomorrow.” His voice was husky with desire.
“Thank you for a wonderful night,” she responded in a low, breathy voice before stealing yet one more kiss, rising on her tiptoes to catch him unaware.
“Until tomorrow.” She turned, moved quickly through the door and headed upstairs in a sensual fog.
Tomorrow could not come soon enough.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Tuesday went by in a blur for Keeli although she knew she was productive because her inventory was replenished and ready for the Milwaukee art fair. She was completely out of money and gems at this point. She would need a big success this weekend in order to buy more materials and to eat. Although she was proud of the pieces she created, she knew that Milwaukee offered a lot of competition and she not entirely confident that people would buy. If they didn’t, she had two options: a lot of catering work or moving home with her tail between her legs. Neither option appealed. This would be a make it or break it weekend.
Needing to get that pressure off her mind, Keeli cleaned up the last of her work for the day, and went to take a much-needed shower before going out tonight.
How did one dress so that they were warm enough for the ice rink and cool enough for the summer heat? And how did one do that with a tiny wardrobe of mostly work jeans and tees? Keeli wished she had more girlfriends, or at least one friend her size that she could borrow clothes for tonight. Oh well, she would have to make do.
She piled her hair high on her head to keep it dry and took a quick shower. Then she indulged herself, slathering her skin in a lovely floral-scented lotion she had received from Theo for her birthday last August. The bottle was almost empty so she made a mental note to hint for more next month.
Wow, my birthday is approaching fast. Twenty-nine and on the verge of running home to Mommy. How depressing is that?
Giving herself a mental and physical shake, Keeli took down her curls and let them hang loose and wild around her oval face. Her eyes looked very green and very wide as she added a touch of liner and mascara and some lip-gloss. She headed down the hall to fight with her closet.
Standing in her best skinny jeans and a pink lace bra she held a top or blouse up against her body, made a face and put it back in the closet. She repeated the process, unhappy with them all. She dug through the small dresser of drawers for an alternative, com
ing up with a pink camisole that was ok for wearing as outerwear, if slightly low cut. Digging in the bottom drawer for a sweater to wear over it she rationalized that she would be covered by a sweater, so the camisole, with its lacey edge and ribbon, could help capture the dressy/ sexy/casual look she was going for.
She grabbed a black sweater, pinching a few pills off of it to make it look a little less worn, pulled it on and checked herself out from front and profile. Deciding it would have to do, she pulled on warm socks to keep her feet warm and her Keds.
Next, she turned to the jewelry haphazardly scattered on the dresser and hanging on the doorknob, selecting a pearl and onyx looped silver necklace hanging from a sterling chain. It was perfect, very contemporary, small enough not to overwhelm but large enough to make an impression. Pairing it with a pair of black pearl earrings, Keeli felt as ready as she would ever be.
Keeli yanked off the sweater, standing briefly in front of the window fan to cool off. After a few minutes, she felt human again, grabbed her keys and her purse, wishing the hobo looked better. Keeli headed for the bus stop with just a few minutes to spare.
Moving quickly two-thirds of the way down the bus, Keeli was grateful to find a seat for the 30-minute ride. She took out the “Hockey for Dummies” book she had checked out of the library that morning. Sure, she had Blackhawk fever during the Stanley Cup playoffs just like every other person in Chicago, but that didn’t mean she understood much of what she had been watching.
When she arrived, the arena was almost empty making it easy to find her way to the cluster of women. They were gathered at middle ice about eight rows from the Plexiglas partition. Trying to decide where to place herself, Keeli stayed toward the edge of the group, approaching shyly.
“Hi, I’m Keeli,” she reached her hand out to shake that of the first woman she came upon. A lovely, pixie of a woman turned toward her. She appeared to be a bit younger than Keeli, hair sleek, makeup perfect, dress, boots and wool coat all designer. Keeli saw her eyes travel from Keeli’s mass of untamed curls to take in her faded jeans and worn Keds before extending two fingers into Keeli’s as if afraid to make contact.
“Joan,” she said briskly. “Bud’s wife. And that is Leslie, Sue, Barb…” at this point Keeli knew she wouldn’t remember the names of the fifteen or so women sitting there, although she would remember the names of the two adorable toddlers she met, Cole and Amanda. About half the women were older, half younger, half wives, half girlfriends. All looked at her like she was a homeless person who walked in off the street carrying a dreaded disease – maybe two.
“I am a friend of Wyatt’s,” she said now and watched a few women relax and warm up to her a bit. One in particular, whose name she did not catch, motioned her to come sit with her. The larger group returned to idle small talk - the weather, which bar to go to after the game, a bit about home decorating or gardening. Keeli noticed with interest that no one spoke about a career.
“I am Tyler’s latest,” the woman explained, self-deprecatingly. “You’ve met Tyler I think? At CAC a few weeks ago?”
“CAC?”
“The Chicago Athletic Club. The bar.”
“Oh, of course, I think we waved from across the room. I’m Keeli.” She extended her hand in greeting. “I guess I am Wyatt’s latest.”
“Molly.” Molly offered her hand in a warm handshake and Keeli let out a breath she did not realize she was holding.
“So, how long have you two been dating and where did you meet?” Molly was wasting no time grilling Keeli, as two other women sitting in the row above them leaned forward to eavesdrop.
“Oh, that night I met Tyler was actually our first date. So, three weeks or so, I guess.” Keeli was mentally counting as she spoke. “We actually worked in the same building for a couple years, but Wyatt would never have noticed me. Then we met again at the Wells Street art fair. We have been touching base at art fairs ever since.“
Jeez, did I say too much? What has Wyatt been telling them?
“Well, Ivy certainly kept you a secret. We all thought he was still with Sloane,” one of the eavesdropping women piped up in a snarky voice.
“You knew he broke up with Sloane a long time ago,” Molly retorted to Keeli’s relief. “Don’t start stirring up trouble now, Sam.”
“Not completely,” Sam’s voice dripped with venom. “He took her to the gala just last week.”
Turning to face completely forward and lowering her voice Molly continued, “Samantha and Sloane are friends but she is just making trouble cause she likes to. Totally ignore her.”
“I will, and thanks,” Keeli gave Molly a grateful smile as the guys took to the ice in full gear. She couldn’t really tell them apart under their helmets and padding but by reading the names on their jerseys, Keeli could find Wyatt, and determine he was a defenseman. “Are they practicing or playing?”
“Playing. It’s a city league, mostly for fun. Of course, they are guys so it’s always competitive too. They can’t help themselves.” Molly laughed before turning her full attention to the game.
Keeli followed as best she could, understanding the rudimentary rules and penalties, asking for help from Molly now and then. At the end of the first period, Wyatt’s team was down by one goal, looked exhausted and was huddling to strategize. He gave Keeli a brief wave from across the ice, but nothing more.
The boys were in better form for the second period, preventing their opponents from getting more than a few shots on goal and scoring three goals themselves. At the end of the second period, they were visibly pumped and many came over to say hi to the women. Wyatt motioned Keeli to come away from the group, meeting her at a small break in the Plexiglas.
“Having fun?” He was shouting to her before she even reached him. She could see that he was enjoying himself and preening a bit for her.
“Yeah, I am. You guys are good.”
“Tonight, but not always,” he offered modestly “You meet the girls?”
“Molly seems to have taken me under her wing.”
“Great, cause Tyler is my best bud. If you two get along we can see more of them. You know, double date or something.”
“That would be great,” Keeli watched the teams taking their positions again on the ice. “You better go.”
Wyatt leaned over and planted a quick kiss on Keeli’s mouth. “Later. Wish me luck.” He was already skating away.
Back at her seat it became apparent that the kiss changed Keeli’s position with the women. Some of them warmed up a bit more but Samantha was predictably frostier.
“So, where did you buy that adorable camisole, Keeli?” her voice was dripping with sarcasm. “And are those Keds I see you wearing? “
“I don’t remember, Sam, sorry. And yes to the Keds, I live in them. I am on my feet a lot, so they are perfect for me,” Keeli was not going to be dragged into a designer war that she would only lose.
“What about that necklace?” Barb leaned in. Sitting on Molly’s other side she had been acting friendly if a bit reserved but with this query she was either trying to help Keeli or hurt her more. Keeli wasn’t sure.
“Oh, I made it. That is what I do. I am a jewelry designer.”
“You made that?” three voices chorused. “Really?” “It’s fantastic.”
“Wow, you are really good,” Molly chimed in. Keeli relaxed in her seat, gratified by the compliments. She felt better about being there as she turned her attention away from the women and back to the game. At that moment, Wyatt was slammed into the boards by a huge forward from the opposing team. Keeli cringed at the rough contact but Wyatt slammed back with equal force then skated away as if nothing happened.
The third period was decidedly rougher with both teams under pressure as the clock wound down. The score had not changed but the tension was palpable on the ice and in the stands. The cheering sections for both teams grew louder, with the two toddlers screaming until their faces were red and their mom scolded them to ‘cool it a little.’
“Now what?” Keeli followed behind Molly and Barb as they gathered their belongings and began moving toward the exit.
“We meet the guys by the back door in about ten minutes and head out for drinks which leaves us just enough time for a bathroom break. Come on.”
Sure enough, the entire group of women headed to the ladies room as a single unit, used the facilities, freshened hair and lipstick, and divested themselves of sweaters and scarves. Then, again as a single unit, they headed toward the side entrance to the facility and gathered on the sidewalk, rehashing the game and making driving plans to wherever it was agreed they would go.
Five minutes later, the men trickled out, hair still wet from showers, large duffle bags in hand. Hugs, kisses and congratulations went around from the whole group. No one made an effort to introduce Keeli so she hung back on the outer fringe of the crowd, waiting.
One of the last to exit the building, Wyatt came out laughing at something Tyler said and headed over to Keeli. He dropped his bag and twirled her around with joy.
“We won! Great game, huh?” He bent to steal a swift kiss. He was like a five year old, elated by his victory and grinning from ear to ear with male pride.
Tyler nodded his recognition before sweeping Molly up in his embrace and shouting to no one in particular, “So team, where we headed?”
“The usual,” several people responded as either question or statement and ‘the usual’ was agreed upon as Wyatt led Keeli toward his car. She was walking beside him, holding hands when he stopped behind a black Range Rover and it beeped to unlock. Lifting the tailgate window, Wyatt lobbed his bag into the back, slammed the door with some force and turned to see Keeli looking confused.
Bedazzled (The Beguiling Bachelors Book 1) Page 16